Cessnock's Strive for Autism celebrates tenth anniversary

HONOURED: Strive for Autism's public officer Alan Baird
and president Maxine Baird with the group's award for
Community Event of the Year
at Cessnock's 2017 Australia Day awards.

Krystal Sellars

Ten years ago this month, a support group for families of people with autism spectrum disorders held its first meeting in Cessnock.

Since then, Strive for Autism has helped to provide support for such families, and raise much-needed awareness of the lifelong developmental condition that can affect communication, sensory perception, social interactions and behaviour.

Strive for Autism president Maxine Baird said the group’s meetings provide information and support, and a forum for families with questions and stories to share.

The group presents annual awards to participating schools to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of students with ASD and their teachers.

It also raises funds to support local schools, sporting groups and individuals.

“Thanks to the support of our community and the generosity of our sponsors we have been able to provide many resources over the last 10 years,” Mrs Baird said.

The donations have included iPads, computers and grants to help educate children on the autism spectrum.

Strive’s regular fundraising events include an annual shopping weekend bus trip to Sydney. This year’s was the eighth shopping trip, and raised $4050.

Strive has won two Australia Day awards for Community Event of the Year – the first for its Sounds of the Spectrum concert in 2010.